DefenseNews

‘Open the hives’ — Why France is turning tank gunners into FPV pilots

MAILLY-LE-CAMP, France — Corporal Igor started a new job this year, swapping the sights of a 105 mm gun on the French Army’s AMX 10 RC reconnaissance vehicle for first-person view goggles and a handheld controller. The 21-year-old is now a strike pilot in France’s first dedicated drone-combat squadron, crouching in nettles and tall grass as he guided an FPV drone down a forest path at the…
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DefenseNews

Pentagon tells Europeans to cool their rhetoric on Russia, sources say

Pentagon officials have in recent weeks asked several NATO countries to tone down their rhetoric regarding the threat posed by Russia, arguing that some statements by European leaders and officials have undermined continental security, four people familiar with the matter said. Among the nations that have received messages urging them to keep public statements in check are Lithuania, Latvia and…
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DefenseNews

US Navy wants more visible role for drone boats as one deploys for the first time

While the U.S. Navy has been making significant investments in uncrewed boats in recent years, key questions have remained about how the service plans to employ and distribute the new capability.  But in testimony before a congressionally authorized panel earlier this month, the Navy’s No. 2 officer shed new light on the value that medium unmanned surface vessels, or MUSVs, could bring to the…
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DefenseNews

Finland’s defense minister talks NATO, Ukraine and fishing

Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen visited New Zealand on Oct. 21 to discuss security issues with officials there. His travel agenda also included Australia and Japan, signaling the Northern European country’s interest in the region despite the geographical…
DefenseNews

If Canada picks the Gripen fighter, these local firms would help Saab deliver the jets

VICTORIA, British Columbia — Saab will collaborate with several of Canada’s top aerospace firms to build the Gripen fighter jet in Canada if the aircraft is selected by the Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government. Saab confirmed Oct. 27 that it has formed alliances with several firms to build, deliver and support the Gripen E advanced multi-role fighter, should the Canadian government…
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